On Friday, September 14th, 2018, the Washington, DC Young Leaders gathered for their annual “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Celebration” kindly hosted by Entertainment Software Association (ESA).
Honorees on the evening were Emmy Award-Winning actor Richard Schiff (Toby Ziegler on The West Wing & Dr. Glassman on The Good Doctor) who was presented with The Ireland Funds Irish Spirt Award and actor/activist Melissa Fitzgerald (Carol on The West Wing) who was recognized with The Ireland Funds Community Service Award for her work as Director of Advancing Justice Initiative.
Guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, along with video games and virtual reality set by hosts ESA.
Special guests on the evening were Amb. Dan Mulhall, Ireland’s Ambassador to the US; Norman Houston OBE, Director of The Northern Ireland Bureau and Congressional Co-Chair, Congressman Brendan Boyle.
Erik Huey, Senior VP of Government Affairs at ESA, kicked of the speaking program by welcoming everyone to Entertainment Software Association. Cliona Doyle, Director of the Young Leaders, thanked guests for their support in particular the host committee and introduced Ambassador Mulhall, Norman Houston and Congressman Brendan Boyle.
Chair of the DC Young Leaders, John McCarthy then introduced Richard Schiff and Melissa Fitzgerald. Melissa spoke of her Irish heritage and the importance of teaching empathy. Richard spoke of his many visits to Ireland, his family’s connection to Ireland.
Following the remarks, Pat Tully conducted a live auction that included a trip to Chicago, Dubliner Irish Whiskey and a trip to Napa Valley.
Special thanks to the event committee, Chair of the DC Young Leaders, John McCarthy and sponsors: The Northern Ireland Bureau, Entertainment Software Association, the Dupont Circle Hotel, Toyota Alexandria and Murlarkey Distilled Spirts.
Photo credit: Erika Lane
